Candy Cane Simple Syrup (Peppermint Syrup Recipe)
This cheery and delicious syrup tastes like liquified candy canes...because it is! It's perfect for adding seasonal peppermint flavor to all of your favorite beverages!
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Equipment
- 1 airtight storage container
- 1 1.5-quart saucepan
- 1 spatula silicone recommended
- 1 heat resistant glass measuring cup
- 1 zip top bag optional, for crushing candy canes
- 1 rolling pin or mallet optional, for crushing candy canes
Ingredients
- 200 grams candy canes about 15 regular-sized candy canes
- 354 grams filtered water 1.5 cups
Instructions
- Prep candy canes. Unwrap candy canes and place them in a zip top bag to crush them.200 grams candy canes
- Smash candy canes. Using a rolling pin, meat tenderizer, or wooden spoon, smash your candy canes into pieces. This is a VERY useful way to get out some holiday stress. 😂
- Heat water. In a small saucepan, heat water over medium heat.354 grams filtered water
- Dissolve candy canes. When the water is simmering, add in the candy cane pieces and stir them until they dissolve. Keep the heat at medium-low to avoid a rolling boil.
- Allow to cool. When the candy has dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the mix to cool.
- Store. Store your finished syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer term storage.
Notes
ℹ️ troubleshooting tips
- too thin - if your syrup is too watery, allow it to simmer for longer so a bit more water evaporates. Keep in mind, it will thicken slightly as it cools.
- not enough peppermint flavor - if you want MORE peppermint flavor, you can use up to 24 candy canes! Keep in mind, your syrup will be much sweeter if you use more candy canes.
- too sweet - is your syrup overpoweringly sweet? Try adding a small pinch of salt, about 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon, to offset the sugar in the candy. You can also add more water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the flavor mellows out.
♻️ customize your candy cane syrup
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- starlight mints - if you want to make this syrup during a time of year when candy canes are hard to come by, you can use starlight mints instead! You’ll want to use between 160 - 200 grams of mints to get the same minty-sweet flavor!
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- peppermint extract & red food coloring - while this is not my preferred method, you can use peppermint extract and food coloring to make this simple syrup. You’ll also need to add 200 grams of sugar to the recipe (1 cup). Make sure to start small with peppermint extract— a little goes a VERY LONG way. Too much extract can lead to an artificial flavor in your finished syrup, or make it bitter. Try using 1/8 - 1/4 tsp and increasing it as needed.
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- wintergreen candy canes - you can use the green candy canes instead of red ones! This will make a green syrup instead of a red one, which could be fun for Grinch themed drinks!
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- add vanilla - use 1/2 to 1 whole vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract) to make a vanilla-mint flavored syrup!
Nutrition
Serving: 1ounceCalories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 16gSodium: 1mgSugar: 11gCalcium: 1mg
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Keyword: candy cane, Christmas, holiday, peppermint, simple syrup, winter